The Pitch: Experimental and highly eclectic French mathcore project Zapruder defy all expectations with their unprecedented self-titled debut via Apathia Records. FFO: Autocatalytica, Cryptodira, The Hirsch Effekt
What I Like: Where else can you find pseudo-Elvis impressions and jazz mixed with Clutch and Every Time I Die? Leave it to France to once again pump out the strangest takes on pretty much every subgenre. If you really want to dive headfirst into this, I recommend pressing play on "Leaving Montreal." It's a veritable orgy of saxophone, Southern sludge, and post-hardcore ethos. Lead single "Dracula Love Hotel" hotel isn't far behind, opening with the usual dissonant, syncopated mathcore riffage before building towards a decidedly more progressive and cathartic direction. Isaac Ruder's vocals are intensely schizoid; sometimes dirtbag drifter, others straight-up hardcore. And I'm definitely hearing influences from both Mike Patton and Greg Puciato. This is one of those albums where no single track can truly prepare you for what is truly in store. It would be like looking at one painting at the Louvre and walking away thinking you're an expert on art.
Critiques: I'd argue that Zapruder don't put their best foot forward with "I Left My Appendix in NYC." A lot of people make their decisions on whether to listen further based on the first track and honestly this is my least favorite of the bunch. "Tongue Twister" or "Half-stache Man" would both serve as a better introduction and draw more people in.
The Verdict: Just short of perfection, Zapruder is likely to be one of the most innovative and technically proficient albums of 2018. Furthermore, the band pulls off the difficult task of taking the experimental, challenging songwriting and turning it into a highly infectious and re-listenable experience.
Flight's Fav's: Half-stache Man, Leaving Montreal, Dracula Love Hotel
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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